suffocate
[verb]
Synonyms: choke, asphyxiate, smother, stifle

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Related Words: stive, strangle

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

suf‧fo‧cate /ˈsʌfəkeɪt/ verb
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of suffocare, from sub- ( ⇒ sub-) + fauces 'throat']

1. [intransitive and transitive] to die or make someone die by preventing them from breathing:
The animal seizes its prey by the throat and suffocates it to death.
One of the puppies suffocated inside the plastic bag.

2. be suffocating to feel uncomfortable because there is not enough fresh air:
Can you open a window? I’m suffocating.

3. [transitive] to prevent a relationship, plan, business etc from developing well or being successful:
Jealousy can suffocate any relationship.
—suffocation /ˌsʌfəˈkeɪʃən/ noun [uncountable]

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲